Tarnished silver jewelry can usually be cleaned safely at home with gentle methods, but avoid harsh cleaners and anything abrasive, especially on plated items or pieces with soft stones or pearls.

Quick gentle method (light tarnish)

Use this for slightly dull or lightly tarnished silver.

• Mix a few drops of mild dish soap in a bowl of warm (not hot) water.

• Soak the jewelry for 5–10 minutes, then gently scrub crevices with a very soft toothbrush.

• Rinse well in clean water, dry thoroughly, and buff with a soft, lint‑free cloth.

Baking soda & foil method (heavier tarnish)

Do not use this on silver‑plated items, oxidized/patina finishes, or jewelry with porous/soft stones (opal, turquoise, pearls, etc.).

• Line a heat‑safe bowl with aluminum foil, shiny side up, and place your silver pieces so they touch the foil.

• Sprinkle baking soda over the jewelry (about 1 tablespoon per cup of hot water).

• Pour very hot (near‑boiling) water into the bowl to cover the pieces and let sit 2–5 minutes; you’ll see bubbling as tarnish transfers to the foil.

• Remove, rinse thoroughly, dry, and polish with a soft cloth.

Polishing products & toothpaste

For stubborn tarnish or valuable pieces, a dedicated silver polish or jeweler’s cleaner is safest.

• Apply a small amount of commercial silver polish to a soft cloth and rub in straight lines, not circles, then rinse and buff dry.

• A tiny bit of plain white paste toothpaste (no gel, no whitening/grit) on a soft cloth can work on simple, solid-silver pieces, but it is mildly abrasive—use very gently and not on plated or delicate items.

What to avoid and prevent

• Avoid bleach, chlorine, harsh chemicals, paper towels, and abrasive powders or scrubbing pads; these can scratch or damage silver and stones.

• Store silver in airtight bags or anti‑tarnish pouches and keep it away from rubber bands and sulfur products; wearing your silver regularly actually slows tarnish.

If the piece is very valuable, antique, heavily tarnished, or has many stones, consider having a professional jeweler clean it to avoid damage.